West Midlands Safari Park has joyfully welcomed its first animal baby of 2026, marking a significant milestone with the birth of a Northern giraffe calf that was captured on camera by attentive keepers. This rare behind-the-scenes event unfolded on Tuesday, January 20, as 14-year-old mother giraffe Arusha gave birth following a 15-month pregnancy.
A Carefully Monitored Arrival
Keepers at the park had been closely monitoring Arusha for several days via CCTV, suspecting that the birth was imminent. During their routine morning checks on Tuesday, they observed clear signs of labour and witnessed Arusha's waters break. The team then continued with their normal duties within the giraffe house, discreetly keeping an eye on the CCTV feed to monitor progress without causing any disturbance to the expectant mother.
The Moment of Birth
At precisely 11:04 am, keepers were fortunate enough to witness the six-foot-tall calf make its entrance into the world. Remarkably, just 40 minutes after birth, the newborn managed to stand and take its first wobbly steps. Within an hour, the calf had its first suckle, demonstrating a strong and healthy start to life.
Expert Care and Motherly Experience
Lisa Watkins, head keeper of ungulates at the park, expressed the team's delight: "The team are over the moon with the safe arrival of a new giraffe calf to mother, Arusha. Arusha is well rehearsed in motherhood (this is her fifth calf) and as we all expected, she is doing a fantastic job so far."
She added: "It is still early days and with the current weather, both Mum and baby are spending time in the warmth of the house to bond. We hope to share the calf with guests as soon as both are ready and the weather allows."
Family Connections and Naming Traditions
The new calf will have a playmate to grow up with, as its half-sibling, Namara, is just three months older, having been born in October 2025. Both calves share the same father, 15-year-old Rufus, and the new arrival has several older siblings, including brothers Kingsley and Mtembei, along with half-siblings Emali and Kris.
In keeping with park tradition, all animals born at West Midlands Safari Park this year will have names beginning with the letter 'O'. Keepers will compile a shortlist of potential names, from which a favourite will be selected. The sex of the calf has not yet been determined, adding an element of anticipation to the naming process.
Conservation Significance
The birth of this Northern giraffe calf is particularly noteworthy given that giraffes are under threat in the wild. This new arrival represents positive news for conservation efforts, contributing to the preservation of the species through carefully managed breeding programmes in wildlife parks.
As the calf continues to bond with its mother in the warmth and safety of the giraffe house, visitors to West Midlands Safari Park can look forward to meeting the newest addition to the animal family in the near future, weather permitting.
